Urea, also known as carbamide, is an organic compound that serves various purposes in different contexts. It is the chief nitrogenous end product of the metabolic breakdown of proteins in mammals and some fishes. Urea is naturally occurring and can be found in the urine, blood, bile, milk, and perspiration of mammals. It is a waste product of many living organisms and is the major organic component of human urine.
In the process of protein breakdown, amino groups (NH2) are removed from the amino acids that make up proteins. These amino groups are converted to ammonia (NH3), which is toxic to the body. The liver then converts the ammonia to urea, which is less toxic and can be excreted from the body.
Urea has several applications due to its high nitrogen content and solubility in water. It is widely used in agriculture as a concentrated nitrogenous fertilizer, either incorporated in mixed fertilizers or applied alone to the soil or sprayed on foliage. Urea is also used in animal feed, as some animals, such as cattle, can convert it into protein. Additionally, it is used in the manufacture of urea-formaldehyde resins, emollients for skin care, and barbituric acid.
In skin care products, urea acts as a moisturizer and exfoliant. It helps keep the skin moist by drawing water from the deeper layers of the skin and the air. Urea also breaks down the protein keratin in the outer layer of the skin, which can help reduce dead skin buildup and flaking.
Ureas properties as a chemical precursor and its usefulness in its own right make it an important compound in various industries, including the manufacture of fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and resins.
